Judge Orders Suspect in Ilhan Omar Attack to Remain in Custody

Anthony Kazmierczak accused of assaulting the Minnesota congresswoman with apple cider vinegar

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A man accused of assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., by squirting her with a syringe of apple cider vinegar during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis last month has been ordered to remain in custody until his trial. Magistrate Judge David Schultz cited the "exceedingly serious and dangerous circumstances" of the alleged attack in ordering Anthony Kazmierczak, 56, to be detained.

Why it matters

The attack on Rep. Omar, a prominent Democratic congresswoman, highlights the ongoing threats and violence that some elected officials face, especially those from marginalized communities. The judge's decision to keep the suspect in custody pending trial reflects the seriousness with which the court views such alleged assaults on public officials.

The details

According to court documents, Kazmierczak allegedly admitted to Minneapolis police that he had squirted vinegar on Omar as she was speaking about immigration policy and calling for a transparent investigation and legal action against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as the abolition of the agency. Kazmierczak has been charged with one felony count of terroristic threats and one count of fifth-degree assault.

  • The alleged attack occurred during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis last month.
  • Kazmierczak made an initial court appearance earlier this month.

The players

Ilhan Omar

A Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota.

Anthony Kazmierczak

A 56-year-old man accused of assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar with apple cider vinegar during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis.

David Schultz

The magistrate judge who ordered Kazmierczak to remain in custody pending trial.

John Fossum

The court-appointed defense attorney for Kazmierczak.

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What they’re saying

“The Court further finds detention is warranted in this case because clear and convincing evidence shows that no condition or combination of conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of the community, should Mr. Kazmierczak be released pending trial.”

— David Schultz, Magistrate Judge (Court documents)

What’s next

The judge's decision to keep Kazmierczak in custody pending trial means he will remain in jail until his case is resolved in the courts.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing threats and violence that some elected officials, particularly those from marginalized communities, face. The judge's decision to detain the suspect reflects the seriousness with which the courts view such alleged assaults on public officials.